strappado: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Archaic / Literary / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “strappado” mean?
A torture or punishment in which the victim is hoisted by a rope tied to their wrists, then dropped suddenly, dislocating the shoulders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A torture or punishment in which the victim is hoisted by a rope tied to their wrists, then dropped suddenly, dislocating the shoulders.
The term can be used figuratively to describe any state of extreme tension, torment, or a severe test of endurance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally (and extremely) rare in both dialects.
Connotations
Both carry strong connotations of historical cruelty, archaic justice, and severe physical punishment.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both regions. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical writing or fiction due to the prevalence of such punishments in European history.
Grammar
How to Use “strappado” in a Sentence
[Subject] threatened/put/tortured [Object] with the strappado.The strappado was [verb in passive form] (e.g., was administered, was used).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strappado” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The inquisitors would strappado suspected heretics to extract confessions.
American English
- The colonial governor was accused of strappadoing prisoners without trial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or human rights studies when discussing medieval/Renaissance torture methods.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used with precise historical meaning in criminology, history of law, or museology (instruments of torture).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strappado”
- Misspelling: 'strapado', 'strappadoe'.
- Incorrect pronunciation with stress on first syllable.
- Using as a general synonym for 'hanging' (which implies death by suspension).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never in everyday speech. It is confined to historical, literary, or academic discussions about torture or punishment.
Yes, though extremely rare. It means 'to torture using the strappado method'.
It comes from Italian 'strappata', meaning 'a pull, tug, wrench', derived from 'strappare' (to pull violently, to snatch).
No. Hanging is execution by suspension causing death. Strappado is torture by suspension and dropping, designed to cause extreme pain and dislocation, not necessarily death.
A torture or punishment in which the victim is hoisted by a rope tied to their wrists, then dropped suddenly, dislocating the shoulders.
Strappado is usually historical / archaic / literary / specialized in register.
Strappado: in British English it is pronounced /strəˈpeɪdəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /strəˈpeɪdoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Figurative) To be on the strappado: to be in a state of extreme anxiety or suspense.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'STRAP' and 'DADO' (a pedestal). Imagine a STRAP pulling someone up a DADO column and then dropping them.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTREME PHYSICAL PAIN IS SUSPENSION AND FALLING; A DIFFICULT SITUATION IS A FORM OF TORTURE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'strappado'?